The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated more than $2.1 billion for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state. Once again, the CTC investments are heavily supported by funding from Senate Bill (SB 1), and the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB1 accounts for $696 million – nearly one-third of this round of funding.
By providing $5 billion in transportation funding annually, SB 1 brings numerous benefits to both state and local agencies. Since it was passed in 2017, SB 1 has fully or partially funded more than 7,000 projects, including 2,500 already completed, investing more than $16 billion toward roads, bridges, trade corridors, transit and rail, and walking and biking paths. Road projects funded by SB 1 progress through construction phases more quickly, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.
During this round of funding, the CTC allocated $960 million to Caltrans’ Local Assistance Program which makes much-needed funds available to more than 600 cities, counties, and regional agencies to improve transportation infrastructure and services. The Local Assistance Program authorizes approximately 1,100 new projects each year. The CTC also approved 15 repair projects that will extend the life of 76 bridges, prevent costly future repairs, and improve ride quality for the public.
“By making these significant investments, California is building the public transportation system we need for a safer and more prosperous, equitable, and environmentally sound future,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This investment also includes nearly $1 billion for local and regional transportation projects that carry significant community benefits.”
Key Southern California Projects Include:
Orange Co.
- $236 million for freeway corridor improvements. The Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) is one of the most heavily congested freeways in Southern California. It serves John Wayne Airport and is a vital link to other major freeway systems in Orange County. This project will reduce congestion and increase capacity on SR-55 between I-405 and I-5 by adding a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane and a general-purpose lane in each direction. $16 million will go toward constructing a northbound auxiliary lane along a stretch that connects Santa Ana with Tustin to improve goods movement and safety.
Los Angeles Co.
- $3.6 million for bridge improvements. These funds support the seismic retrofit of a key bridge at the busy Tejon Pass overcrossing near the Kern County line. This critical project will preserve the structural integrity of the bridge and prevent failure in an earthquake.
- $1.3 million for transit infrastructure improvements. This project will safely link LA Metro’s Expo Line Station in Santa Monica with the city’s Downtown and Civic Center areas. The project will extend a right-of-way from the terminus station at 4th Street and Colorado to Olympic Drive via a Caltrans bridge structure over I-10. It will construct 155 feet of sidewalk, install 5 crosswalks at signalized intersections, provide lighting for 20 intersections, and improve pedestrian and bicyclist linkages.
Source: Various
